Leadership Conference - Central Europe Field

Leaders from across the Central Europe Field came together in Dürres, Albania, from September 9th to 14th for their first Leadership Conference since COVID.

Dr. Sam Barber, Director of Nazarene Discipleship International, was the main speaker of the conference, guiding discussions on the current state of churches in the field and future plans. The focus was also on how leadership development can involve all ages, from children to adults, creating a holistic approach to growth and discipleship.

Rev. Cezarina Glenndening, Field Strategy Coordinator, invites us to pray for her field as they are trying to break the barrier between what is a church and what is secular, as the goal is for everything that God created to be sacred.

Originally published in the Eurasia Region's "Snapshots" Newsletter, September 20, 2024.

Opportunity to Serve: NCM Coordinator in Romania

Is God calling you to use your gifts in administration to help the local churches develop compassionate ministries in Romania?

Nazarene Compassionate Ministries entered Romania in 1992. The Church of the Nazarene in Romania has grown out of NCM initiatives, and each local church continues to be involved in various compassionate ministries.

The NCM coordinator will serve as a liaison between regional/field NCM leadership and the leaders of NCM partner organizations in Romania, and will help local churches as they develop compassionate ministries in their communities.

This role would be best suited for someone who has a passion for working with vulnerable and marginalized people and has good interpersonal communication and administration skills.

Responsibilities:

• Become familiar with all NCM-related activities in Romania
• Facilitate communication between regional/field NCM leadership and local NCM-related ministries.
• Assist the NCM-partner organizations in Romania to meet NCM requirements.
• Help local churches begin and/or continue compassionate ministries in their communities and resource emerging local NCM leaders
• Become conversant in the Romanian language

Requirements:

• Ability to adapt cross-culturally
• Available to live and minister in Romania for a minimum of 2 years.
• Has experience working with vulnerable and marginalized people, or has a strong desire to learn and serve these people groups.
• Proficient in communication and reporting software such as Word and Excel.
• Engages sensitively with new cultures while exploring new opportunities
• Works well in a team
• Takes initiate and is a self-starter
• Ability to develop and implement efficient systems and processes for project tracking and reporting.
• Commitment to the principles of compassion, justice, and service that underpin NCM’s work.

Click here for more information and to get started in the application process.

Opportunity to Serve: Local Church Associate in Romania

“Is God calling you to use your gifts in preaching, worship, and outreach to help revitalize the church in Romania?

The Church of the Nazarene has been present in Bucharest, Romania, since 1992. The local church associate will work with the pastor of the local church to revitalize the congregation, mainly in the areas of worship, discipleship, community outreach, and preaching.

This role would be best suited for an enthusiastic, prayerful and outgoing person or couple, who can embrace an urban lifestyle in an Eastern European setting.

Responsibilities:

• Assist in the Sunday worship service by preaching on rotation and helping with music (preferably playing an instrument)
• Develop positive relationships within the community
• Disciple believers and train church members
• Become conversant in the Romanian language
• Mobilize the church members to engage in missional opportunities outside the local church

Requirements:

• Ordained elder (preferred) or district-licensed minister
• Degree in ministry (preferred)
• Sensitive to working with marginalized groups
• Ability to adapt cross-culturally
• Available to live and minister in Bucharest for a minimum of 2 years.

Click here for more information and to get started in the application process.

Opportunity to Serve: Central Europe Field NYI Leader

Qualifications:

• Adequate experience in youth ministry
• Passionate about youth ministry
• BA level or higher of Theological Education, preferably in youth ministry
• Familiar with the NYI structures of the Church of the Nazarene
• District Licensed or Ordained preferable

Requirements:

• Age: 23-39 Years Old
• Family status: single or married. Since the job requires consistent travel, preferably without children. Gender is irrelevant.
• Strong Communication Skills: A youth leader should be able to effectively communicate with young people, parents, colleagues, and community members.
• Empathy and Understanding: Understanding the needs, challenges, and aspirations of young people is crucial for effective youth leadership.
• Leadership Experience: Prior experience in leadership roles, whether in church, school clubs, community organizations, or other settings, can provide valuable skills and insights.
• Passion for Youth Development: A genuine passion for supporting the growth and development of young people is essential for motivating and inspiring them.
• Problem-Solving Abilities: Youth leaders often encounter complex challenges that require creative and strategic problem-solving skills.
• Cultural Competence and Diversity Awareness: Being culturally competent and aware of diversity issues enables youth leaders to create inclusive and welcoming environments for all young people.
• Ability to Foster Positive Relationships: Building trusting relationships with young people, their families, and other leaders is critical for effective youth leadership.
• Flexibility and Adaptability: Youth leaders must be flexible and adaptable in responding to changing circumstances and needs within their communities.
• Commitment to Continuous Learning: Continuing to learn and grow as a leader is important for staying relevant and effective in supporting young people.

Click here for more information and to get started in the application process.

Holy Week Graphics in Romanian

The Eurasia Region has prepared graphics for Holy Week in the various languages across our region. Click here to access the files.

Jan Hockensmith Laun – Veritas Friend for 27 Years

Republished from Veritas View, December 2023

We mourn the death of Jan Hockensmith Laun, who passed away on October 8, 2023 after suffering from cancer for a short time. Her last visit to Sighisoara was in May of this year. 

Jan was a professor of Social Work at Olivet Nazarene University in Illinois. She first came to Romania in 1996 with a group of university professors to learn about the Romanian Studies Program (RSP). She quickly became a fan of RSP and was very active in encouraging Olivet students to spend a semester in Romania.

Each year in May Jan also accompanied a group of students for a three-week Romanian experience. Without a doubt Jan brought more American students to Sighisoara than any other person. Working alongside our Romanian staff, these students contributed so much to Veritas for many years through their fresh ideas, energy, compassion, and financial support. 

Jan loved Romania, Sighisoara, Veritas .... and even after retiring, she still came almost every year, offering devotions, activities for elderly and special needs clubs, and helping out wherever needed. Jan was very generous. She always traveled to Romania with two huge suitcases full of gifts for staff and materials for programs. 

Nine years ago, Jan married George Laun, a widower, and a very practical man. He gladly came with Jan to Romania and helped Ghita with all sorts of projects and repairs at Veritas. George was in total agreement with Jan's generosity, and her financial support for the Veritas Foundation. When Jan died, George suggested that her friends make donations to Veritas. Faith, kindness, faithfulness, generosity, and perseverance are traits that Jan has modeled for us. Let us thank God for her, and others who have been an example to us. May God give us the grace to finish the race well, as she did.

We want to organize “Jan’s Camp,” a summer camp for 100 children that will include art, music, sports and cooking. The cost for the camp will be $4,500. Your donations will help make this camp possible. All donations are tax deductible. Online donations can be made at https://give.ncm.org/donate/134477. 

2023 EuNC Romania Learning Centre Graduation

Reposted from www.facebook.com/EuropeanNazarene:

Congratulations to the EuNC Romania Learning Centre and Rares Ion on his graduation with the Certificate in Spiritual Formation on 11 November! We are grateful for the student body, faculty and leadership in the Romania LC and District.

EuNC Rector Mária Gusztinné Tulipán presenting the certificate

Learning Centre Coordinator Jonathan Phillips,
Graduate Rareș Ion,
Rector Mária Gusztinné Tulipán

Rareș Ion: 2023 Graduate with the
Certificate in Spiritual Formation

All EuNC alumni of the Romania Learning Centre
received an EuNC mug